Newsletter August 2025

Newsletter
August 2025

This newsletter highlights an upcoming webinar, webinar recap, press release, insights from event, strategic partnership and success stories from our clients.

Highlights

Upcoming Webinar

Webinar Recap

Protecting Students with Mental Health Needs
July 25, 2025

K Altman Law’s Special Education Advocacy Team hosted a webinar on adding mental health supports to IEPs, covering legal protections, advocacy strategies, and the link between learning needs and mental health.
Click Here To Watch The Full Webinar

Press Release

Dr. Tim Markley Memorial Scholarship 2025

Congratulations to our First Recipient KAYLYN COOPER

K Altman Law is honored to announce that Kaylyn Cooper, a first-year law student at the University of North Carolina School of Law, has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Dr. Tim Markley Academic Scholarship Award.

This scholarship was established to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Tim Markley, our firm’s beloved Senior Director of Student Defense, who passed away earlier this year. Dr. Markley was a passionate educator, a fierce advocate, and a mentor whose dedication to student rights and educational equity defined both his career and his character.

The scholarship recognizes individuals who demonstrate resilience, a commitment to justice, and a passion for advocacy—qualities that Dr. Markley championed throughout his life. This year’s recipient, Kaylyn Cooper, exemplifies those values.

A former client of K Altman Law, Kaylyn, courageously stood up for her rights during a challenging academic dispute. Her strength and determination left a lasting impression on our entire team. Inspired by her experience, she is now pursuing a legal career to defend students who face similar institutional challenges.

Kaylyn’s journey, combined with her academic promise and unwavering commitment to advocacy, made her a unanimous choice for this year’s award.
The Dr. Tim Markley Academic Scholarship Award will continue to be awarded each year in Tim’s memory—to support and uplift future advocates who, like Kaylyn, are driven by purpose and resilience.

Please join us in congratulating Kaylyn Cooper and in remembering the incredible impact Dr. Tim Markley made on our firm, our clients, and the world of education law.

Bright Ideas Media SLP Summit

On July 22, 2025, our Special Education Attorney Amie Baek and Special Education Advocate Krystal Ashe presented at the Bright Ideas Media SLP Summit. The summit was a webinar targeted to Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and others who work in special education with K-12 students requiring communication support. The presentation was broadcast to roughly 2500 viewers across the country.

Krystal and Amie presented on the importance of special education advocacy as well as special education law. While our firm most commonly advocates on behalf of families and students, the knowledge and expertise that inform our advocacy also inform school districts and service providers in their work with students with disabilities. This presentation covered the basic principles of special education advocacy, the legal framework supporting advocacy, and best practices for special education advocacy, determining appropriate services, and the provision of services.

Krystal discussed the foundations for special education advocacy such as collaboration, informed decisions, and the focus of the advocacy: the student. She walked through timeline from special education eligibility through implementing the plan, whether that’s an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan. She also provided an example of “advocacy in action” to demonstrate the key steps to ensuring a student receives appropriate considerations for special education and related services.

Amie reviewed essential laws underlying special education law including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act. She also highlighted the term “free appropriate public education”, referred to as FAPE, which is a significant foundation for special education law. FAPE broadly defines the requirements for schools and service providers in determining eligibility, necessary services and supports, and curating those services and supports for each individual student.

The law may shift and change over time, especially in education law. Special education law has some long-standing pillars that every special education attorney, advocate, educator, and provider should know (e.g., FAPE). Amie highlighted a few cases to explain how special education law has been interpreted by the courts. The case law clarifies expectations for districts and parents on a state-law-basis as well as a federal-law-basis.

Krystal also presented on the relevance of data in special education advocacy and law. She emphasized the importance of understanding how the rules, regulations, and the law shape advocacy and documentation in special education. Specifically, she discussed how schools and service providers should be present and participating during team discussions about a student’s evaluations, observations, plans, and reports.

Krystal and Amie spoke about the significance of the entire team working together and focusing on the student’s needs. Special education is largely a team effort between the schools, the providers, the district, and the families. Special education advocacy and the law are great tools for anyone involved in that process, no matter which side you’re on. Krystal and Amie were able to speak briefly to an audience with which they don’t typically engage and, hopefully, imbue the importance of being equipped with these tools.

Core Service Reminder

Legal Support for Students and Families from K Altman Law

As students across the country head back to school this fall, it’s important to remember that a new academic year brings new opportunities—but also new challenges. Whether your child is starting college, returning to high school, or transitioning into a new educational setting with special supports, K Altman Law is here to ensure your family is protected, informed, and empowered every step of the way.

At K Altman Law, we focus on three key areas that are especially critical this time of year: Student Defense Advocacy, Special Education Support, and Title IX Civil Litigation. As your legal partner, we provide guidance, protection, and a voice when you or your child needs it most.

Student Defense: Safeguarding Academic and Disciplinary Records
A growing number of students face accusations involving academic misconduct, disciplinary violations, or behavioral incidents as they return to classrooms and campuses. These allegations can have long-lasting consequences—suspensions, expulsions, and permanent marks on a student’s record can derail an academic future.

K Altman Law provides experienced, aggressive representation for students in K-12 schools, colleges, and universities nationwide. From school disciplinary hearings to academic integrity boards and administrative appeals, we help families understand their rights and defend their children against unfair or excessive penalties.

Special Education: Ensuring a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
If your child has a disability or learning difference, you have legal rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Now is the time to review your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan. Are goals current? Are accommodations being provided? Is the school following through on its obligations?

Our team of advocates and attorneys—many of whom are former educators—work closely with families to evaluate plans, attend IEP meetings, and challenge school districts that fail to meet their legal responsibilities. We make sure your child gets the support they need to thrive.

Title IX: Protection Against Discrimination and Misconduct
Back-to-school season also brings a renewed focus on safety and accountability. Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination, harassment, and assault in educational environments. Students accused of misconduct under Title IX have a right to due process, just as survivors deserve compassionate and fair treatment.

Our attorneys understand both sides of these complex, emotionally charged cases. We defend students’ rights, reputations, and futures—on both the accuser and accused side—ensuring schools comply with the law and act fairly.

We’re Here for You—Every Step of the Way
Whether you’re navigating a disciplinary issue, advocating for services, or facing a crisis on campus, don’t go it alone. K Altman Law is one of the nation’s leading education-focused law firms. We know the systems, we understand the stakes, and we fight for what’s right.

Start the school year with confidence. If you have concerns about your child’s education, don’t wait. Call us today for a consultation.

Strategic Partnership - Greek Life

Proactive Legal Education: Partnering with Fraternities and Sororities to Prevent Risk Before It Becomes a Crisis

At K Altman Law, we believe that the best legal problems are the ones that never happen. That’s why we’re proud to introduce one of our most innovative and proactive initiatives: our Strategic Partnership Program with fraternities and sororities, featuring our Risk Management Workshop Series.

Fraternities and sororities play an essential role in campus life—building leadership, fostering connection, and shaping lifelong networks. But these organizations also face increasing scrutiny and legal risk. From hazing allegations and Title IX violations to academic misconduct, crisis management, and social media missteps, the margin for error is smaller than ever.

We are working directly with national Greek organizations and campus-based chapters to address a critical need: preventing legal and reputational disasters through education, compliance, and smart planning.

What Is the Risk Management Workshop Series?
Our Risk Management Workshop Series is a tailored suite of 90-minute interactive trainings that equip students, chapter leaders, and advisors with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to identify red flags, respond appropriately to crises, and build a culture of accountability.

Each workshop focuses on a specific topic, including:

Title IX & Campus Misconduct: What every member needs to know about consent, investigations, and due process.
Hazing Prevention & Policy Compliance: Understanding the line between tradition and liability.
Social Media & Digital Risk: Managing your online presence and avoiding digital disasters.
Crisis Response Protocols: What to do when something goes wrong—from immediate actions to legal considerations.
Leadership & Accountability: Training chapter officers and advisors on their responsibilities and legal exposure.

These sessions are not lectures—they’re dynamic, discussion-based, and led by attorneys who understand Greek life, campus culture, and the real-world pressures students face.

Why This Matters?
Too often, legal support is reactive. A student is accused. A chapter is suspended. A parent calls in a panic. While K Altman Law is nationally known for stepping into those moments and defending our clients fiercely, our Strategic Partnership Program is about empowerment before exposure.

Fraternities and sororities don’t need to operate in fear—but they do need to operate with awareness. Our goal is to help chapters:

Protect their members
Stay compliant with university and national policies
Preserve their reputation and legacy
Avoid costly legal consequences.

A Message to Chapter Advisors and National Organizations
We want to work with you. Whether your chapter is looking to enhance member training, your national office is building a compliance strategy, or you simply want to know what others are doing to stay ahead, K Altman Law is your partner in prevention.

Let’s create a safer, smarter, and stronger Greek life together.

Interested in learning more or scheduling a workshop for your chapter or organization? Contact us today to start the conversation.

Advocate was able to secure a private day placement for a twice exceptional student. This student is extremely intelligent, requiring rigorous coursework to challenge them academically, but has high social-emotional needs requiring a small class size and social-emotional accommodations that the public school setting was unable to meet. Through targeted advocacy efforts, the advocate was able to successfully navigate the IEP process to secure private day placement status through the public school district, and placement at the preferred private day school that appropriately meets the student’s needs.

At K Altman Law, our Student Defense Team is dedicated to ensuring that students facing academic and disciplinary challenges are treated fairly and given every opportunity to succeed. Over the past several months, we’ve achieved significant victories for nursing students whose academic setbacks threatened to derail their careers. In one case, a nursing student had failed multiple courses and withdrawn from the program before an official dismissal. Unfortunately, those failing grades remained on her transcript, making it impossible for her to transfer to another school. Our team intervened, successfully advocating for the failures to be converted to withdrawals, removing the most damaging barrier to her transfer. We also secured a letter of recommendation and a statement of good academic standing from her former school, giving her a fresh start and a clear path forward.

I cannot express enough gratitude to The Law Office of Keith Altman, PLLC. After making an unfortunate mistake at school, I was facing possible academic dismissal. I was devastated. After years of hard work, I thought my academic journey had come to an end. I had invested so much into my education, and it felt like everything was slipping away. Thanks to the incredible team at K Altman Law, I was successfully reinstated, and I’m proud to say I’ve now completed my doctoral program. I want to give a special thank you to Ashley Thibodeaux for her tireless dedication, support, and compassion throughout the entire process. Ashley is an excellent listener and a true professional. Her efforts, along with those working behind the scenes, made all the difference. If you’re facing academic dismissal or any similar challenge, I highly recommend choosing K Altman Law. They are truly the best of the best. I’m forever grateful and forever indebted to them.

Dulian P.

I’m incredibly grateful to K Altman Law for representing me in a case against my former college. From start to finish, the team worked tirelessly on my behalf and made sure I felt supported every step of the way. Communication was consistent, professional, and always compassionate — I never felt like just another case. While the outcome wasn’t perfect, I am genuinely content with how things turned out, and I know that’s largely because of the dedication and hard work of the K Altman team. Their guidance and commitment made a difficult process feel manageable, and I can’t thank them enough for helping me through such a stressful time. I truly appreciated all the help and personal attention they gave me. If you need strong, dependable legal support — especially for education-related matters — I highly recommend K Altman Law.

Alexandria B.

Contact K Altman Law if you need to speak with one of our Student Defense Advocates. We are committed to holding schools accountable for doing the right thing for students – including yours!

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